For almost a decade, university researchers have documented what some people may find to be a surprising trend among Houston's major ethnic groups.

While many whites have become more accepting of immigration into the Houston community, many blacks have remained strongly opposed to it.

Since the overwhelming majority of immigrants into the area are Hispanics, it can be assumed that the trend shows tension between Houston's two largest minority groups, blacks and Hispanics, a leading Houston demographer said.

Experts attribute the trend, which has been observed in other major U.S. cities with large black and Hispanic populations, to increasing competition for jobs and political clout between the two groups. According to the 2000 Census, Hispanics comprise the largest ethnic group in Houston, with 37.4 percent of the population. Anglos represent 31.5 percent of the population and blacks 25 percent. Klineberg said he believes many blacks feel that their economic livelihood may be threatened by the influx of Hispanic immigrants -- who are taking over many blue collar and service jobs traditionally held by blacks -- because Hispanics are accepting lower pay.